Free Rail Travel Facility to Arjuna Awardee Sportspersons Extended to Rajdhani/Shatabdi Trains also

The Ministry of Railways has decided that the Complimentary Card Passes issued to sportspersons who are Arjuna Awardees shall now be valid for travel in 1st Class/2nd AC in Rajdhani trains and Chair Car (CC) in Shatabdi trains besides being valid for travel in 1st Class/2nd AC in other mail/express trains (except Duronto trains) over All Indian Railways (except Metro Railway/Kolkata) as per the existing provision. A circular dated 20th July 2012 of Railway Board has been sent to all the Zonal Railways for implementation.

The said Card Pass entitles them lifelong free travel for self only. In addition, the Arjuna Awardee sportsperson is entitled to facility of a companion in the same class along with the sportsperson on this complimentary card pass on attaining the age of 65 years. In case of Arjuna Awardee Sportsperson, the companion allowed at the age of 65 years shall also be entitled to travel in the same class along with the Arjuna Awardees in Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains.

As per extant policy, Ministry of Railways provides 1st Class/2nd AC Complimentary Card Passes to meritorious sportspersons who are Arjuna Awardees, Olympic Medalists, Gold Medalists in Asian or Commonwealth Games or Dronacharya Awardees. The said Card pass entitles them life long free rail travel for self only in 1st Class/2nd AC over all-Indian Railways (except Metro Railway/Kolkata) by any train other than Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains. The policy further prescribes that sports-person is entitled to facility of a companion in the same class on the aforesaid card pass on attaining the age of 65 years. From now on in case of Arjuna Awardees and their companions only the facility has been extended for travel in Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains.

Anti-Ragging Web-Portal

Shri Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource Development inaugurated the Anti-Ragging Web Portal here today. The portal has been developed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in collaboration with Ed.CIL (India) Ltd. and Planet E-Com Solutions.

The Hon’ble Supreme Court in its judgment dated 8th May, 2009, while expressing great concern on the increasing incidences of ragging in educational institutions in the country ordered implementation of a ragging prevention programme comprising, inter-alia, setting up Toll-free Anti-Ragging Helpline /Call Centre, Database of institutions/students, engaging an independent non-government agency.

Pursuant to these directions, the government has taken various measures which includes regulation by UGC to curb ragging and similar regulations by other regulatory bodies, set up toll-free anti-ragging helpline/call center. The database has to be created out of the affidavits affirmed by students/parents, and to be stored electronically. Such database shall also function as a record of complaint received and the action taken.

The web portal is a term being used for all background software development that is necessary for smooth functioning of the Ragging Prevention Program and comprises of the following components:

• All calls received by Anti-ragging Helpline (18001805522) will be managed and followed up in a structured software system.

• Customized E-mail Management systems of the Call Centre

• Complaints follow up, log creation and display system on the web. Students can see the progress of their complaint any time on www.antiragging.in

• Online anti ragging affidavits can be downloaded by students from www.antiragging.in

• Creation of the colleges and universities data base.

• Reporting and statistics

The Web Portal is a medium of managing complaints, follow up of complaints and escalation of unresolved complaints to regulatory authorities, enhanced communication with colleges and universities, developing various kinds of data sets, displaying status of complaints, displaying various kinds of reports, development of various data sets etc.

Open Competition for Designing A Logo and Theme Slogan for Rashtriya Madhayamik Shiksha Abhiyan

The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development has invited entries from resident Indians to design a logo and for drafting a slogan on the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry under implementation since 2009-10 to make quality secondary education available, affordable and accessible to all young persons of the age group of 14-16 of the country. The successful entry/entries will be separately awarded a prize money of Rs. 1,00,000/- and a citation for designing the logo and drafting the slogan.

Complimentary Railway Card Pass Facility Extended to ‘Civilian’ Recipients of ‘Chakra’ Awardees

            The Ministry of Railways has decided that the civilian recipients of gallantry awards of Chakra series (namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra) will also be provided 1^st /2^nd Class AC Complimentary Card passes on the lines as admissible to Defence awardees.  The procedure and other conditions for issue of such Card Passes to civilian Chakra awardees will remain the same as applicable to Defence awardees.

          As per extant policy, Ministry of Railways provides 1^st Class/2^nd AC Complimentary Card passes to Defence personnel recipients of gallantry awards of Chakra series and to widows of posthumous gallantry awardees of Chakra series viz. Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and ShauryaChakra.  The Card Pass entitles them life-long free rail travel in 1^st Class/2^nd AC Class along with one companion in same class over all India Railways except Metro Railway/Kolkata.  From now on, this facility will now be available to both civilian and Defence personnel recipients of Chakra Awards.

Fund Released Under NSDF Scheme

            For imparting customized training to elite athletes, who are medal prospects in the forthcoming London Olympics 2012 and other major international sports events, the Sports Ministry has released financial assistance worth Rs. 1018.90 Lakh as on 23.7.2012, from National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) to the 52 sportspersons and 4 Coaches and six supporting staff under Operation Excellence 2012. The assistance sanctioned is towards extensive training abroad, engagement of personal coaches both foreign and Indian, competitions exposures abroad, scientific back-up in terms of sports psychologists, physiotherapists, masseurs, etc.

S.No	Discipline-wise	Number of sportspersons
1.	Shooting	8
2.	Shooting (Paralympics)	1
3	Athletes	8
4.	Tennis Players	9
	Total	26

Anti-Corruption Measures by UPA-2

The Group of Ministers (GoM) set up in January 2011 to consider measures to tackle corruption has submitted two reports. In pursuance of this,

1.      Government has directed that requests for sanction of prosecution are to be decided upon by the competent authority within a period of three months.

2.      Government decided that for all officers of the central government above the rank of Joint Secretary, the competent authority to approve initiation of enquiry/investigation under Section 6A of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act will be the Minister-in-charge in the Government of India.

3. Government has also accepted the recommendation of the GoM to put in place regulatory parameters for exercise of discretionary powers by Ministers and to place them in public domain. 

Other anti-corruption initiatives include:-

4.      A comprehensive ‘Lokpal and Lakyuktas Bill, 2011’ was passed by the Lok Sabha this year.

5.      ‘The Whistle Blowers Protection Bill 2011’ intended to provide protection to whistle-blowers, was passed by the Lok Sabha and is presently with the Rajya Sabha. 

6.      India ratified the United Nations Convention Against Corruption in May, 2011. The Convention has entered into force for India on 8th June 2011. With a view to ensuring full compliance with this Convention, ‘The Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organizations Bill 2011’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Bill is under consideration of the Government.

Making all Government services accessible to common man with transparency

The National e-Governance Plan was approved by the Government with the vision to “Make all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality, through common service delivery outlets and ensure efficiency, transparency & reliability of such services at affordable costs to realize the basic needs of the common man”.

1.      A network of more than 100,000 Common Service Centres for electronic delivery of public services to citizens in rural areas has been rolled out.

2.      Computer software tools and fonts have been made available in 22 Indian languages in 24 States.

3.      Pilots for delivering high-volume, citizen-centric e-Governance services have been implemented in 88 districts across seven states under the e-District Project.

4.      The MCA-21 e-Governance project for facilitating business by simplifying and reducing documentation was carried forward by enabling online allotment of the Direct Identification Number and integrating it with the Income Tax PAN. This will substantially reduce delays in incorporation of a company. 

5.      A record 15 lakh annual reports were filed during the year with a peak of 70,000 filings on a single day. 

6.      Rules have been amended to facilitate payments by direct credit to the bank accounts of payees. A secured electronic payment system, through “Government e-payment gateway” has been commissioned to facilitate this process. This measure will streamline the process of making payments, minimize the interface of the payees with Government offices and will usher in green banking.

Transparency in Public Procurement Legislation

Following the announcement made by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address of 2011: 

1.      The Public Procurement Bill, 2012 has been approved by the Cabinet.

2.      The Bill seeks to regulate public procurement by all Ministries and Departments of the central government, Central Public Sector Enterprises and bodies controlled by the Central Government to ensure transparency, fair and equitable treatment of bidders, promoting competition and enhancing efficiency and economy in the procurement process. 

3.      The Bill would create a statutory framework for public procurement which will provide greater accountability, transparency and enforceability of the regulatory framework.

Making the Public Service Delivery a right of citizens

         The Right of Citizens for time-bound delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill’ was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 20th December 2011, and has since been referred to the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee. This bill is intended to make the Citizens’ Charter statutory and to endow the public with the right to delivery of goods and services.

Increasing people’s access to justice and enhancing accountability

The Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill 2012 has been passed by the Lok Sabha.

1.      The National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms was launched in the Department of Justice for increasing access to justice by 

a)      reducing delays and arrears, 

b)      enhancing accountability through structural changes and
c)      setting performance standards and capacities. 

2. Information such as filing of petition, allotment of cases to courts, generation of cause list, date of hearing and status of the case can be ascertained from judicial service centres set up by district and subordinate courts.  

Relaxation of condition relating to enhancement of age of superannuation of teachers in state institutions consequent of the implementation of the revised pay scales on the basis of 6lh Pay Commission recommendations

The Cabinet today approved the proposal to relax the condition of enhancement of age of superannuation of teachers to 65 in state institutions for the implementation of the revised pay scales on the basis of 6lh Pay Commission recommendations and become eligible for receiving Central share of 80% of the arrear payment.

It also decided that reimbursement of 80% of the Central share of the arrears be paid in 2-3 instalments to those States who have already made the payment and submitted their proposals for reimbursements to the Central Government.

The decision of Cabinet is expected to provide relief to teachers in State institutions with the payment of arrears. It will also benefit State Governments, who will be able to make the arrear payment in instalments and also claim reimbursements simultaneously.

Background:

Following the revision of pay scales of Central Government employees on the recommendation of the 6ifl Pay Commission, the pay scales of teachers and other equivalent cadres was revised and age of superannuation was enhanced to 65 in December 2008. The scheme of revised pay scales was essentially for teachers in Central Educational Institutions. However, provisions of the Scheme could be made applicable by State Governments, to Universities and Colleges coming under the purview of the State Governments, provided the State Governments adopt and implement the scheme as a composite scheme, including the enhanced age of superannuation.

The Central Government decided to provide financial assistance to the extent of 80% as reimbursement to those State Governments, which may opt for these revised pay scales for the period 1.1 2006 to 31.3.2010 The remaining 20% was to be met by the State Government from its own resources. The Central assistance was subject to the condition relating to the enhancement of the age of superannuation of university and college teachers to 65 years.

Many State Governments had requested the Central Government to waive the condition relating to enhancement of age of superannuation of teachers to 65 years as they were finding it difficult to accept the condition relating to enhancement of age of superannuation and the condition that the State Governments should first disburse the arrears and then seek reimbursement from Central Government to the extent of 80% of these arrears.

Review of Rape Laws

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for introduction of the Criminal Law (Amendment ) Bill, 2012 in the Parliament.

The Law Commission of India in its 172nd Report on 'Review of Rape Laws' as well the National Commission for Women have recommended for stringent punishment for the offence of rape. The High Powered Committee (HPC) constituted under the Chairmanship of Union Home Secretary examined the recommendations of Law Commission, NCW and suggestions various quarters on the subject submitted its Report along with the draft Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2011 and recommended to the Government for its enactment. The draft was further examined in consultation with the Ministry of Women and Child Development and the Ministry of Law & Justice and the draft Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2012 was prepared.

The highlights of the Bill include substituting sections 375, 376, 376A and 376B by replacing the existing sections 375, 376, 376A, 376B, 376C and 376D of the Indian Penal Code,1860, replacing the word 'rape’ wherever it occurs by the words 'sexual assault', to make the offence of sexual assault gender neutral, and also widening the scope of the offence sexual assault.

The punishment for sexual assault will be for a minimum of seven years which may extend to imprisonment for life and also fine for aggravated sexual assault, i.e., by a police officer within his jurisdiction or a public servant / manager or person talking advantage of his position of authority etc. The punishment will be rigorous imprisonment which shall not be less than ten years which may extend to life imprisonment and also fine.

The age of consent has been raised from 16 years to 18 years in sexual assault. However, it is proposed that the sexual intercourse by a man with own wife being under sixteen years of age is not sexual assault. Provision for enhancement of punishment under sections 354 and 509 of IPC and insertion of sections 326A and 326B in the IPC for making acid attack a specific offence have been made.

Shri Kapil Sibal Launches NIOS’s Mukta Vidya Vani

Mukta Vidya Vani, a pioneering initiative of the National Institute of Open Schooling, (NIOS) for using Streaming Audio for educational purposes, was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Sh. Kapil Sibal , on the occasion of the 22nd General Body Meeting of the NOS Society held here yesterday. Mukta Vidya Vani on the World WideWeb is a modern interactive, participatory and cost effective programme, involving an academic perspective along with the technical responsibilities of production of audio and video programmes, which are one of the most important components of the multi channel package offered by the NIOS. This will enable a two way communication with any audience having access to an internet connection, from the NIOS studio situated at its Headquarters in NOIDA.

The new NIOS website which has been designed in such a way that it not only meets the needs of its learners but is also disabled-friendly, was also launched on the occasion.

An MoU was also signed between the NIOS and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) with the objective of developing skill-based courses on web designing in accordance with the guidelines for Indian government websites. This will provide vertical and lateral mobility of learners from the school level in the web designing course.

Addressing the gathering, Dr.S.S.Jena, Chairman, NIOS mentioned 1127 learners had qualified for counseling in AIEEE and 267 qualified for counseling in B.Arch and 9 learners qualified for counseling in the AIPMT exam from the NIOS.

Haj 2012 Operations

The Union Cabinet today approved the following for the Haj Operations 2012:

(i) 1,25,000 haj pilgrims would be covered by the Haj subsidy scheme.

(ii) Apart from PSF, UDF, ADF & Saudi Airport Taxes/Fees, each pilgrims would pay Rs.20,000/- as air fare. The balance cost of air travel arrangements would be borne by the Government.

(iii) The pilgrims would depart from 21 embarkation points in India. Gaya as an embarkation point has been introduced in place of Patna due to technical difficulties presently in operating direct flights from Patna.

This year the Haj flights would start on 17.9.2012.

The Ministry of External Affairs is the nodal Ministry for Haj matters. However, the air travel arrangements for pilgrims going on Haj through the Haj Committee of India are made by Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The number of pilgrims, the embarkation points and the fare to charged from each pilgrim is decided by the Cabinet every year. The element of cost of air travel arrangements in excess of the fare paid by the pilgrims is the Haj subsidy borne by the Government, which is called Haj subsidy. Untill 2009, the pilgrims were carried by Saudi Arabian Airlines on negotiated fares and by Air India on cost basis. From 2010, it was decided to select the airlines through a tendering process. Sealed bids are invited from all eligible airlines and the airline offering the lowest fare from an embarkation point is engaged to carry the haj pilgrims. For the Haj-2012 airlines would also be engaged through competitive biddi

Conference of AR Secretaries of States / UTs to be held Tomorrow

The Conference of Secretaries of Administrative Reforms of the States / Union Territories will be held in New Delhi tomorrow. Organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Government of India it will be inaugurated by the MoS for Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Shri V. Naraynasamy.

The Conference aims to create a national platform to share experiences of the states in the field of reforms / initiatives undertaken by the departments of Administrative Reforms in the States / Union Territories to improve public service delivery, make the administration effective, transparent, accountable and citizen-friendly. It will also provide a forum for the A R departments of the States / UTs to highlight the challenges faced by them and their expectations from the Department of AR & PG, Government of India. The Conference will provide an opportunity to take stock of the pace and progress of administrative reforms across the country and incidentally to inventorise such efforts at the national level.

The Conference is to be attended by the MoS (PP), Secretary (ARPG&P), AR Secretaries of the States / UTs and senior officers of the departments.

In addition to the inaugural session, there will be two plenary sessions. The first plenary session will be on a panel discussion on `Role of District Collectors in the Changing Times’. The second plenary will feature presentations by the Secretaries (AR) of States / UTs.

Coin Vending Machines to be installed at Railway Stations

The Ministry of Railways has decided on installation of Coin Vending Machines (CVMs) at Railway Booking Offices at Railway stations. The detailed guidelines on this subject has been sent to all Zonal Railways. Under these guidelines, first choice could be given to State Bank of India (SBI) followed by other Public Sector Banks on first-cum-first-served basis. As per norms and conditions of this scheme, the Indian Railways will provide space for installation of the CVMs on nominal one time license fee of Re 1/-. Electricity shall be provided free of cost. Electrical wiring from the nearest main supply point to the machine duly protected by MCB should be drawn by the service provider.

These machines will be installed for a period of three years, initially. The location of the machines will be identified by the respective Railway Divisions. Total number of vending machines to be restricted to a maximum of four at each booking office in A-1 category stations and a maximum of two at each booking office at other category of stations. The Bank will maintain the machines at their own cost.

The Bank will also ensure that the requisite amounts of coins are available in machines, at all times. The Bank will also indicate the name of the manager who will be contacted in case shortage of change and requirement of maintenance. No advertisement on the machines will be permitted except the name and logo of the Bank. Positioning of the machines should be such that they do not hinder the movement of passengers.

I & B Ministry now on Face book

In a bid to establish a direct communication between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and various stakeholders of Community Radio fraternity in the country, the ministry has launched a dedicated page on facebook- ‘Community Radio India’. This page can be accessed from www.facebook.com/communityradioindia . The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations of the country and other stakeholders. The page will update the stakeholders on status of licences, screening committee meetings, permission agreements, clearances for new community radio station, consultations and events. This platform would also enable community radio stations to share information about their radio programmes, upcoming events, success stories, photographs and their challenges. ‘Community Radio India’ page also aims to encourage new and aspiring stakeholders of community radio by regularly updating them on CR policy, guidelines and by answering their queries. The information shared through ‘Wall’ posts will not only be helpful for them but would also inform individuals interested in community radio.

Tatkal Scheme and the new amendment in the scheme ..with effect from 10th July 2012 (Tuesday).

The Ministry of Railways has further streamlined the delivery of tickets under Tatkal Scheme and the new amendment in the scheme will come into effect from tomorrow i.e. 10th July 2012 (Tuesday). Under the new amendment the booking of Tatkal tickets will start at 10.00 hours on the previous day of journey from train originating station instead of 0800 hours at present. For example, if a train is to depart from the originating station on the 2nd of the month, the Tatkal quota booking both through Internet (IRCTC Website) and reservation counters for that particular train shall open at 1000 hours on the 1st of the month. In addition, it has also been decided that no authorised agents, including agents of IRCTC and RTSAs/RTAs will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets from 1000 hours to 1200 hours from counters as well as from Internet. 
New measures are in addition to the previously taken measures to revamp Tatkal system from November 2011. In November 2011, the following measures were introduced to reduce/minimize the possibility of booking of tickets by touts/miscreants and which are still continuing: 

1. Advance Reservation Period of Tatkal scheme was reduced from two days excluding the day of journey to one day excluding the day of journey. 
2. Refunds are not granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets except in case of special circumstances like late running of train by more than three hours, cancellation of trains etc. 
3. Duplicate Tatkal tickets are not issued under normal circumstances. In exceptional cases Duplicate Tatkal tickets can be issued on payment of full fare including Tatkal charges. 
4. Tatkal tickets are issued only on production of self attested photocopy of one of the 9 prescribed proofs of Identity mentioned in the scheme, at the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter. While booking e-ticket, the passenger has to indicate the number of identity card in the system. The passenger is required to carry the same proof of Identity during the journey. 
5. A restriction of booking of a maximum of four passengers per PNR on Tatkal ticket has been imposed. 

The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), a Public Sector Undertaking of Ministry of Railways which manages Railways e-ticketing website namely www.irctc.co.in has also implemented following additional steps to streamline Tatkal ticket bookings: 


1. High capacity Database servers have been installed. 
2. Internet Bandwidth has been increased from 344 mbps to 450 mbps 
3. Single user registration on one e-mail ID with email verification has been implemented. 
4. Mobile validation of users and single user registration on one mobile number has been implemented. 
5. Web service agents have been permitted to book only one Tatkal ticket per train per day on internet after 12.00 A.M. 
6. Individual users are permitted to book only two tickets between 10.00 A.M. to 12.00 A.M. 
7. Only two tickets can be booked per IP address between 10-12 AM. IP address check has helped in preventing multiple bookings from same office complex/internet café etc. This also helps in facilitating bookings by genuine users and prevents bookings for commercial gains. 
8. Single session per user ID check has been implemented. With this step, a user on irctc.co.in will be able to open his account for booking of e-tickets only once. Multiple sessions with single user ID cannot be opened thereby enabling maximum users to access website and reduce congestion. 
9. Captcha has been put and strengthened for booking in the ‘Plan My Travel’ to check fraudulent booking through automation software. 
(CAPTCHAs is a technology used in attempts to prevent automated software from performing actions which degrade the quality of service of a given system) 
10. Quick Book Option and Cash Cards option has been stopped between 10.00 A.M. to 12.00 A.M. 
11. An IT-Anti Fraud Squad has been created at Internet Ticketing Centre to detect cases of fraud and fraudulent activity and also for constant cyberspace surveillance to detect possible threats to the system. 
12. Upon receipt of complaint against the sub-agent, the user –id is deactivated and the sub-agent is black-listed. The details of the black-listed agent are put on the IRCTC website. All the Principal Agents have been instructed not to take on such black-listed agents. 
13. For any complaint, against the e-ticket agents, one may contact agentcomplaint@irctc.co.in (011-23745962) or care@irctc.co.in (011-39340000) 
14. The Ministry of Railways has also initiated steps to augment e-ticket handling capacity of its website through short term and long term measures. Both IRCTC and CRIS are working jointly in this direction. Due to these steps, the present e-ticket capacity will increase from existing about 3.5 lakh bookings to around 5 lakh bookings per day in about four months period in the short term which will further be increased to about 8 lakh bookings per day in the long term plan. 

Cable Television Network Rule amendement

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has been closely monitoring the preparedness of various activities for the implementation of DAS. The success of DAS depends on timely seeding of STBs at the consumer premises. As such, availability and deployment of STBs by MSOs/LCOs are paramount important for the implementation of DAS. Timely availability of accurate data with regard to the seeding of STBs by service providers (MSOs/LCOs) is critical for the Ministry to ensure digital switch over within the timeframe as well as for taking mid-course corrections if necessary. 

While assessing the preparedness of DAS in four metros, the Ministry has come across numerous inconsistencies of data provided by the service providers, particularly MSOs, in regard to inventory position of STB and its deployment.

In view of this, the Ministry has decided to amend the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995 (Cable Rules) making it obligatory for every cable operator and Multi-system Operator (MSO) to provide correct and timely information to the Ministry as and when it is sought for. 

In the Cable Television Network Rule, 1995(Second Amendment) Rule, 2012, a new rule, namely, rule 10A Obligation to furnish information, has been inserted making it mandatory for MSOs and cable operators to provide information as and when it is sought for by the Central Government or State Government or authorized officer or any agency of the Central Government. The obligation to furnish information under the amended rule 10 A has been incorporated as one of the terms and conditions of registration of cable operator under Rule 5 A and MSOs under rule 11 D. 

As per sub-section (7) of section 4 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, the Central Government may suspend or revoke the registration of cable operators or MSOs if they violate one or more of the terms and conditions of registration. Incorporation of rule 10 A as one of the terms and conditions of registration of cable operators and MSOs will empower the Central Govt. to cancel or suspend the registration of cable operators or MSO if the information sought for by it is not provided by them. This will ensure correct and timely submission of information by cable operators and MSOs. 

Presidential Election, 2012-last date of withdrawal

 After the last date of withdrawal of candidature on the 4^th of July, 2012, the following two are the contesting candidates for the Presidential Election, 2012:-

S.No.                                       Name                                                               Address

1.                                 Shri Purno Agitok Sangma                                  H.No. 35, Walbakgre, Tura, West            

                                                                                                               Garo Hills, Meghalaya

2.                                 Shri Pranab Mukherjee                                            H.No.60/2/97,Kabi Bharati  Sarani

                                                                                                                  (Lake Road), Kolkata (West Bengal)

                                                                                                  

2.         The Polling for the Presidential Election, 2012 will take place on Thursday, the 19^th of July, 2012 in Room No. 63, Parliament House, New Delhi and in the State Capitals. The polling will commence at 10.00 A.M. and close at 5.00 P.M. on that day.

3.         The Electoral College for election to the Office of the President of India consists of the elected Members of both Houses of Parliament and the elected Members of the Legislative Assemblies of all State including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Members of Parliament normally exercise their vote in Parliament House, New Delhi and Members of State Legislative Assemblies including the Members of Legislative Assemblies of the NCT of Delhi and the Union territory of Puducherry in their respective State Capitals at the places notified by the Election Commission of India in this behalf.     However, a Member of Parliament may vote in a State Capital/Union Territory Capital if he/she obtained the prior permission of the Election Commission of India. Similarly, a Member of any State Legislative Assembly who has obtained the prior permission of the Election Commission,may, exercise his/her vote in Room No. 63, Parliament House, New Delhi.

4.         The polling arrangements in Parliament House are being made by Dr. V.K. Agnihotri, the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election, 2012, and Secretary-General, Rajya Sabha.

Kendriya Vidyalayas Adopt New Uniform

The new uniform for Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan students was released, here today. The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan caters to the educational needs of about 10.7 lakh boys and girls studying in various classes from classes I-XII across the country and abroad. The KVS is completing 50 years and on the eve of its golden jubilee, KVS has introduced its new uniform pattern for the Kendriya Vidayalaya students from the academic session 2012-13. 

The present uniform design has been in vogue since the inception of KVS in 1963. The new design is with the view to remain contemporary and to provide a unique identity to its students, keeping in mind the comfort and the cost factors. The new uniform has been designed in collaboration with National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Ministry of Textiles, Govt. of India, New Delhi. The Board of Governors in their 92nd meeting held on 18th May 2012 has approved of the adoption of a new uniform pattern for the KVS as designed by the NIFT, New Delhi.

Interest Subvention of 1% on housing loans

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for extending the scheme of interest subvention of 1% on housing loans upto Rs.15 lakh where the cost of the house does not exceed Rs.25 lakh for the year 2012-13 and to amend the operational part of guidelines for release of funds. 

A budgetary provision of Rs.400 crore has been made for Financial Year 2012-13 for implementing the scheme. 

Consequent upon the extension of scheme, the limit of subsidy for an individual borrower would be Rs.14,912 for a loan of Rs.15 lakh and Rs.9925 for a loan of Rs.10 lakh. 

The extended scheme will benefit all house loans availed in Financial Year 2012-13. 

Background: 

The original scheme of 1% Interest Subvention on Housing Loans upto Rs.10 lakh, provided the cost of the housing unit does not exceed Rs.20 lakh was approved by the Cabinet in September, 2009. The scheme was revised by iberalizing the limit of housing loan upto Rs.15 lakh where cost of house does not exceed Rs.25 lakh in financial year 2011-12 which was approved by the Cabinet in October 2011. The scheme is further extended for another year that is financial year 2012-13. National Housing Bank (NHB) is the nodal agency for implementing the scheme both for Scheduled Commercial Banks and Housing Finance Companies. 

Election to the Office of the Vice-President, 2012 (14th Vice-Presidential Election)

            The term of office of Mohd. Hamid Ansari, Vice-President of India, is upto 10^th August 2012. An election to fill the vacancy caused by the expiration of the term of office of the outgoing Vice-President shall need to be completed before the expiration of his term. The law provides that the notification for election shall be issued on, or as soon as conveniently may be after, the sixtieth day before the expiry of term of the office of the outgoing Vice-President.

2.         Article 324 of the Constitution read with the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 and the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Rules, 1974, vests the superintendence, direction and control of the conduct of election to the office of the Vice-President of India in the Election Commission of India. The Election Commission is mandated to ensure that the election to the office of the Vice-President of India must be a free and fair election and the Commission is taking all necessary steps for discharging its responsibility.

3.         The Vice-President is elected by the members of the Electoral College consisting of the members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote. The nominated Members of both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha are also eligible to be included in the Electoral College and, therefore, they are entitled to participate in the election.

4.         The Electoral College for the present election of the Vice-President consists of the following members:

                       

a)                  Rajya Sabha:

Elected            =          233

Nominated      =          12       

b)                 Lok Sabha:

Elected            =          543

Nominated      =          2

TOTAL          =          790     

5.         The Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, has decided to appoint the Secretary General to the Lok Sabha as the Returning Officer for the election. The Commission has also decided to appoint Assistant Returning Officer from amongst the officers of the Lok Sabha Secretariat to assist the Returning Officer.

6.                  In pursuance of sub-section (1) of section (4) of the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, the Election Commission of India has fixed the following programme for the election to fill the office of the Vice-President of India:

    

(i)	Issue of Election Commission’s notification calling the election	06-07-2012 (Friday)
(ii)	Last date of making nominations	20-07-2012 (Friday)
(iii)	Date for the Scrutiny of nominations	21-07-2012 (Saturday)
(iv)	Last date for the withdrawal of candidatures	23-07-2012 (Monday)
(v)	Date on which a poll shall, if necessary, be taken Hours of poll	07-08-2012 (Tuesday) 10.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M.
(vi)	Date on which counting, if required, shall be taken	07-08-2012 (Tuesday) At 6.00 P.M.

7.         The nomination paper of a candidate must be delivered to the Returning Officer at New Delhi in the place to be specified by him by a public notice either by the candidate or by any of his proposers or seconders between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. A nomination paper of a candidate has to be subscribed by at least twenty electors as proposers and at least twentyelectors as seconders. An elector can subscribe to only one nomination paper of a candidate as either a proposer or seconder. The security deposit for the election is Rs. 15,000/- (Rupees fifteen thousand only), which is required to be made along with the nomination paper.

8.         The list of Members of the Electoral College maintained by the Commission for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2012 is available in English & Hindi separately for sale @ Rs.50/ per copy from the counter opened in the premises of the Election Commission. Electoral College for the Vice-Presidential Election, 2012 is also available in the Commission’s web-site (http://www.eci.nic.in).

Indian Railways measures to prevent misuse of Tatkal tickets

Indian Railways have been regularly monitoring the activities of the agents, touts and other individuals carrying out such activities and strict action has been initiated. The Minister said that every day on an average of around 15 lakh Railway tickets are being sold through 8838 passenger reservation ticket counters and the e-ticketing website through IRCTC, out of which the Tatkal tickets constitutes around 1.70 lakh.  it has further been decided to change the time of booking of Tatkal tickets at the counters from existing 8.00 A.M. to 10.00 A.M. with effect from 10th July, 2012 to avoid congestion in the morning hours at counters for the normal advance booking passengers. The restriction on the agents for Tatkal tickets booking during the first two hours shall also continue. The Minister said that these steps have started yielding results. These checks are intensified during peak/rush period and festival seasons. The department has carried out around 82,000; 61,000; and 65,000 surprise checks during 2009-10 to 2011-12, said the Minister. Against these surprise checks, around 4200 touts were apprehended and an amount of around Rs. 63,68,000/- were realized as fine and around 2000 persons were convicted. The connivance of around 170 Railway officials were also found during the above surprise checks against whom departmental actions were initiated which resulted in imposing of various penalties upon 102 officials including major penalties like removal, reversion from service etc. 

‘HUNAR' Certificate to passouts

The National Institute of Open Schooling organized a certificate distribution ceremony for Hunar Passouts of Delhi region on 1st July 2012 at Zakir Hussain College Auditorium, Delhi. The Certificates were distributed by Sh. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development.

As a part of its endeavour to promote school education amongst disadvantaged communities, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) launched the ‘HUNAR’ project for Skill Development and Training of Girls on 26th February 2011. About 1613 girls took admission and 218 learners passed through 14 centres in the Old city area of Delhi in different trades such as Cutting Tailoring, Basic Computing, Preservation of Vegetables & Fruits, Gram Sakhi, Embroidery etc.

Congratulating the successful learners, Shri Kapil Sibal hoped that the HUNAR Project would be extended to more and more Muslim Girls, enabling them to nurture the skill that each one is naturally endowed with.

Transportation of Passengers and Goods by Indian Railways Exempted from Service Tax for Three Months

The Ministry of Finance exempts the two kinds of services provided by Indian Railways namely Service of transportation of passengers (with or without accompanied belongings) in 1st class or in Air Conditioned Coach and services by way of transportation of goods, from the whole of service tax leviable thereon under section 66-B of the Finance Act 1994. The exemption would be effective upto 30th September 2012.

Bye-election to the Karnataka Legislative Council by the Members of Legislative Assembly

                  There is a casual vacancy in the Karnataka Legislative Council occurred due to the death of a sitting member Dr. V.S. Acharya, elected by the members of Legislative Assembly, on 14^th February, 2012, whose term of office was upto and including 30^th June, 2014.

2.                              The Commission has decided to hold a bye-election to the Karnataka Legislative Council by Members of Legislative Assembly to fill up the above said vacancy in accordance with the following programme: -

1.	Issue of Notifications	:	7th July, 2012 (Saturday)
2.	Last date of making nominations	:	14th July, 2012 ( Saturday)
3.	Scrutiny of nominations	:	16th July, 2012 (Monday)
4.	Last date for withdrawal of candidatures	:	18th July, 2012 (Wednesday)
5.	Date of poll	:	25th July, 2012( Wednesday)
6.	Hours of poll	:	9.00 A.M. to 4.00 P.M
7.	Counting of Votes	:	25th July, 2012(Wednesday) at 5 P.M.
8.	Date before which election shall be completed	:	26th July, 2012(Thursday)